The ABCM story began on October 19, 1961, when George M. Manoylovich of Hampton, Iowa, became concerned about conditions of nursing homes in Iowa and the housing for the aged. After searching for answers, he developed plans and specifications for the first modern care center which would fit the problem. He constructed Iowa’s first modern care facility in Hampton at a time when appalling unprofessional care in old homes was common. The building was unique and unusual at the time, since most other nursing homes in Iowa were old remodeled houses. Many features in the Hampton Care Center building were later incorporated into the minimum building standards with the Federal Housing Administration and the Iowa Department of Public Health construction standards.

In the spring of 1964, encouraged by the success of the Hampton facility, a new building with additional functional improvements began construction in Oelwein, Iowa. An additional facility was constructed in Waterloo, Iowa in 1966.

In 1967, the original three facilities were divided between Mr. Manoylovich and his two original partners with Mr. Manoylovich retaining the Hampton facility. Later in the same year, Mr. Manoylovich began an association with two new partners, D.K. Benge, MD, and James E. Coonley, II, an attorney, both of Hampton. Richard A. Allbee, Attorney, also of Hampton, joined the partnership in 1971.

The partners set as a goal the building or acquisition of 1,000 health facility beds within ten years. Over the next six years, the partners built or purchased seven additional facilities totaling 681 beds. In June 1973, it was decided to equalize ownership within the organization. At that time, ABCM Corporation was formed with each of the four individuals owning 25% of the stock of the new corporation. ABCM was an acronym for the first letters of the last names of the founders. The structure was established for the future of the company.

In the ensuing 27 years, ABCM Corporation, along with its sister organization, Nursing Care Management, Ltd. (formed in 1986), has grown to 31 long term care facilities, three assisted living facilities, a medical supply company, numerous real estate holdings and a motel.

ABCM Corporation is a holding company and does not directly operate any of the subsidiary facilities, but is involved in the accounting, compliance, quality assurance, marketing, public relations, employee relations and benefit administration, building improvements and maintenance, insurance, purchasing and other functions necessary for management. ABCM's key personnel are actively engaged in promoting health care, education and training.

ABCM Corporation and Nursing Care Management, Ltd., are privately held companies. Their stock is owned by the surviving company officer and director.

The story of ABCM is a classic tale of American free enterprise, wherein four individuals with a goal, vision and limited capital but with burning determination built a company that is the envy of its peers.

During its existence, ABCM has been a leader in advancing the ideals of quality long term care. It was one of the first organizations to advance the utilization of quality assurance personnel to help facility staff improve the provision of care and services. ABCM installed Iowa’s first Licensed Alzheimer unit and the Traumatic Brain Injury care of our Harmony House facility in Waterloo, Iowa is nationally recognized.

ABCM has long been a leader in employee benefit offerings and administration. It is well known as a company that people stay with because of its commitment to its residents and employees. Its reputation as multi-facility provider who can deliver top quality care is unmatched in Iowa. In 1999, one of every five Iowa facilities achieved a deficiency-free regulatory inspection survey. During the same period, twenty-one out of thirty-one ABCM facilities were deficiency free.

ABCM is not a company to rest on its laurels however. It is committed to continue to foster the ideal of quality care. ABCM and its employees look to the future with confidence that we will continue to lead the field with innovation and inspiration in our never ending quest to provide the best possible care for Iowa's elderly.